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Friday, April 06, 2007

Musée des Arts décoratifs

If there is ONE museum to visit while you're in Paris it's the brand new (well "brand renewed") musée des Arts décoratifs(or Art Deco). It's an extremely diverse museum where you can see everything from fine French china to furniture, fashion and even toys. Precisely today, since it's Friday (and the eve of a long week end in France) I chose to show you a "funny" scene made of toys. But I'll show you more "serious" art deco some day.

I don't think I ever said this on this blog - or maybe not lately? - so, here we go ...

Loading this page every day (or so) after 3 p.m. is one of the little things I really look forward to.

At times (like today, for instance), I am just positively astounded by the variety of topics and the creativity behind the pictures. You just don't know what to expect when you click on this page and that's part of what makes it a great experience.

I know this sounds like another gushing "Oh, Eric, you're woooooooonderful" kind of comment, but clearly, there is a lot of work, a lot of thought, and a lot of time going into this blog, and I want you to know, Eric, that we're all incredibly grateful and appreciative of your efforts.

Thank you, dear online friend, for all the little moments of pleasure you have given us, every day, without fail for the past couple of years.

I agree with Eric, this is one of the "don't miss" museums in Paris. I'm not sure if "Arts décoratifs" really translates into "Art Deco", but for me it's more the French version of the "arts & crafts" movement.

The space is in an old building (like that's anything new!), but modernised, and you have displays of, let's say, coffee cups, that range from the middle ages to today displayed together. That way you can get a real feel for the progression over time.

Anyway, this is a good example Eric of a group of toys spanding a time era, but put together for one to enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Lynn! I've just added Art Decoratif Museum to my long,long, must-do list for Paris. I wish I could just move to France and so does Dave. However, we must stay here at least ten more years. We have a dream, though. Photo brings back memories of an era gone by the wayside.

Thanks Phx & Johnny (bring Dave of course) - come to the party at Cheltenham, do! Eric you should pop in again for another piece of cake, it's all happening there now. Mainly in the kitchen, it has to be said. Michael's being a bit saucy, Philly wants me on tv and Monica's got chocolate all round her mouth. It's wild i tell you. Wild. Hell of a trip planned for later, too, book your seats now!

Eric bring some toy soldiers, they'll cause a most welcome riot with the ladies.

Oops it was Pont Girl suggesting a tv spot for me, not Philly, sorry i'm squiffy. Dizzily squiffy from all the champagne over there. Eric, come over. I need steadying. Michael was doing that job but he seems to have other things on his mind...

I would enjoy it in Paree certainly Eric. You don't need to diet! Zut alors, what for?! lol you look fine to me. Yes i've seen you recently before you protest. Fine fine fine. lol. Happy Easter to you too! Weather stunning here too but... it's not Paris.

It is an interesting picture. I think I would also like to visit the museum. Your weather may be stunning but we are freezing. And I got a sunburn in my shorts two days ago. Now it is snowing. I think the climate had changed.

The nostalgia evoked in this photo is remarkable! It brings back memories of my youth, playing indoors, during those long New England winters!! Love it!! I believe johnnyparsons has the longest "Paris- To Do List" of anyone that posts here...but a visit to the Musee Deco is definitely at the top of my list for my next visit! LOL!!!

philly...I don't think there is anything about "white sneakers" in that book, but she does wear Doc Martens to a very chi-chi Paris dinner party. I think it is more about an Anglo-Saxon woman from Australia trying to adapt to the traditions of French life. A couple of other great books about Paris to read if you can find them are PlaceINthe WorldCalledParis an anthology of the views of Paris by some of the 20th century's greatest writers, and a personal favorite..The Flaneur by Edmund White. Joyeuses Pâques!!!

An odd little scene. The soldiers coming to the resuce. I think the train already went by, so it's even stranger. Speaking of strangers, BON ANNIVERSAIRE, LYNN. Here's your horoscope from the Mpls. Star Tribune: ARIES (March 21-April 19). Patterns emerge like traces of sediment left on a deserted beach, waiting to be deciphered. What are the elements trying to tell you? Perhaps the most obvious answer is the best one.

You're welcome, Eric! The compliment was long overdue! And I might add, some of the bloggers you inspired around the world totally deserve it as well. There are some incredibly talented people in your blogroll on the left.

KPG: So, I'm not the only one "feeling" the picture, uh? glad to know that! :)

I had a tank almost like the one in the picture, come to think of it, but the doll was a little before my time. My tank was a German model, made of very strong metal, a replica of the real thing, I believe. You wound it up some place and there it went, really spitting sparks and fire. That thing was my great pride and joy at the time, but one day I showed it to a little girl just a couple years younger than me and she ran away in tears... it turns out this little girl and her family were refugiees from some place. My parents promptly put the toy away and the following Xmas I got one of the original Classic Barbie instead... It wasn't quite the same but much more politically correct at the time, I suppose. I wonder what happened to that tank, it was really a beaut. Never had soldiers, though. I suppose my parents figured they had to draw the line somewhere? ;)

I'm a big fan of Art Deco and I will definitely put that museum on my list, thanks Eric.

Tomate: Your story about the young girl is very poignant, and points out how people our age in France (and certainly U.S.) have not experienced invasions as in other countries and in the past in Western Europe. Playing soldier was just part of my childhood. Now, scenes like this toy vignette and yours mean different things.

...and you know, I just noticed the Stars and Stripes on the doll. My, my, a rosy-cheeked Yank as Gulliver. Of course, if you read all of Gulliver's Travels, there's more than the visit to Lilliput. Any Jonathan Swift fans out there?